How To Survive Thanksgiving, And Actually Feel Thankful [VIDEO]

It seems like Thanksgiving is getting overlooked more and more. Have you noticed that it's turned into full blown Christmas mode at midnight on Halloween these days? Well, I for one, love Thanksgiving. Less pressure, great food, and a couple of days off work always works for me!

The Insider has some great advice for those of us who don't exactly look forward to getting together with family and friends for the holidays, even when we're supposed to be feeling grateful. (Have you ever seen the movie 'Home for the Holidays'??). Check out the survival guide below, and try to enjoy this time of year. And Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.

Don't wait until the last second to go to the grocery store - not only is everyone buying all the same things, and shelves might be depleted, but you'll just add more stress to an already stressful day. Be prepared, because a lot of stores won't even be open on Thanksgiving

Don't go too far off the grid with the menu - now is not the time to whip out that recipe for lemon caper turkey, or gluten free salmon dishes. Stick to the basics, it's what people expect and love about Thanksgiving. A little twist never hurts, though.

Don't serve cranberry sauce right out of the can. This might be a little controversial, but you can always spruce it up a bit, without it looking like you just dumped it on the plate.

Don't overeat - this could kill any activities you have for the rest of the day. And feeling bloated or sick is never fun.

Don't bring your brand new girlfriend or boyfriend - nobody likes to feel awkward, and if they are that new, it might not last until next year anyway. No need to get Grandma all excited and talking about marriage when you hardly know this person

Don't bring something different than what you said you were going to bring - most hostesses have done extensive planning for this festive meal, and you don't want to ruin it

Don't ruin the main dish - you still have time to get on YouTube and learn how to properly cook and carve your turkey. Just do it.

Don't drop by unexpectedly - this is so rude, and again, there might not be enough food. People stress out enough about Thanksgiving being perfect, don't make it harder just because you didn't call before you came

Don't talk about your diet all day - we don't care. And this is the one day when we all might cut ourselves a little slack, and we don't need you on your high horse making us feel bad

Don't bring someone who wasn't invited. Not only is it rude, but they probably weren't invited for a reason. And there might not be enough place settings or food.

Don't make Jello Salad - just don't. Too many other delish options out there for you to pull this dinosaur out for a special holiday.

Don't talk politics - definitely not this year! There's bound to be a fight, and you know it

Don't give a time that the food will be served, then serve it two hours later. Not only will people fill up on snacks because they weren't prepared, but the probability of them drinking more alcohol is also pretty great. And we are hungry!